The 2nd Annual Choral Indigenous Music Awards (CIMA) concluded on a high note on Saturday, 25 July 2026, at AMPD Studios, Newtown Junction, Johannesburg, as South Africa’s finest Indigenous choirs gathered to celebrate excellence in choral music. Hosted by Sounds of Azania, the prestigious event honoured the outstanding achievements of choirs, musicians, composers and cultural practitioners who continue to preserve and promote South Africa’s rich Indigenous choral music heritage.
The ceremony recognised excellence across twelve award categories, with deserving choirs and individuals receiving accolades for their dedication, musical excellence and contribution to the growth of Indigenous choral music.
The winners of the 2nd Annual Choral Indigenous Music Awards were:
- Best Imizwilili Music Award – Kopano Chorus
- Best Isicathamiya Music Award – Young Singers
- Best Choral Performance Award – Mompati Arts Chorus
- Best Clap & Tap Music Award – Baemedi Ba Tumelo
- Best Zion Music Award – Image of God Choristers
- Best Amadodana Music Award – Sons of Peace
- Best Apostolic Music Award – Lefelleng Apostolic Church Choir
- Best Indigenous Music Award – Ithemba Youth Choir
- Best Choral Album of the Year – Dominion Church in Christ (Kuyabongwa)
- Best Choral Group of the Year – Umlazi Gospel Choir The Original
- Best Choral Indigenous Music Award 2026 – Iminqweno Yethu
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Majalefa A Morena
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, CIMA 2026 attracted widespread participation from choirs representing various denominations and musical traditions. The event showcased the depth of talent within the Indigenous choral music sector while providing a national platform to recognise those who continue to preserve, promote and develop this important cultural heritage.
The awards ceremony featured outstanding live performances, memorable guest appearances and the presentation of awards throughout the afternoon. The atmosphere reflected a shared appreciation for the important role Indigenous choral music plays in preserving culture, strengthening communities and inspiring future generations.
One of the highlights of this year’s awards was the announcement of the Top 20 Most-Voted Finalists, whose popularity and overwhelming public support demonstrated the growing appreciation of Indigenous choral music across South Africa.
The Top 20 Most-Voted Finalists were:
- LEFELLENG APOSTOLIC CHURCH CHOIR
- YOUNG SINGERS
- IMINQWENO YETHU
- IMAGE OF GOD CHORISTERS
- SONS OF PEACE
- LETSHA LA BATJHA APOSTOLIC GROUP
- DOMINION CHURCH IN CHRIST (KUYABONGWA)
- BAEMEDI BA TUMELO
- UMLAZI GOSPEL CHOIR THE ORIGINAL
- MOMPATI ARTS CHORUS
- ST STEPHENS APOSTOLIC CHURCH CHOIR
- MIGHTY VISION
- ITHEMBA YOUTH CHOIR
- MORNING STAR CITY OF GOD CHURCH CHOIR
- INJABULO YENSINDISO MASS CHOIR
- DUMBE JEALOUS DOWN
- ST JOSIAS APOSTOLIC CHURCH CHOIR
- TRUST IN CHRIST (NGENXA YOBUDE BENDLELA)
- SAKHIWE GROUP
- JTG GOSPEL CHOIR
A special moment during the ceremony was the recognition of Precious Tsotetsi, who was honoured as the official CIMA 2026 Super Fan after recording the highest number of verified votes throughout the competition. Her remarkable commitment and unwavering support highlighted the vital role that audiences play in celebrating and promoting Indigenous choral music. Sounds of Azania expressed its sincere appreciation for her dedication and for the enthusiasm shown by thousands of supporters who participated in this year’s public voting campaign.
Speaking after the successful event, Project Manager Jennifer Mdluli expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the awards a success.
“The success of CIMA 2026 is the result of the dedication, hard work and commitment of many people. We thank every choir that entered the competition, every supporter who voted, our sponsors, partners, adjudicators, volunteers, media partners and everyone who believed in the vision of celebrating Indigenous choral music. Seeing so many talented choirs receive the recognition they deserve reminds us why these awards are so important.”
She added that the continued growth of the awards demonstrates that Indigenous choral music remains vibrant and relevant, with the potential to inspire future generations of musicians, composers and cultural ambassadors.
Founder and Executive Producer of the Choral Indigenous Music Awards, Msizi Mavundla, described the event as another defining milestone in the growth of the awards.
“When we established the Choral Indigenous Music Awards, our dream was to create a platform that honours excellence while preserving one of South Africa’s greatest cultural treasures. The success of the second edition shows that this vision is becoming a reality. We are building more than an awards ceremony; we are building a legacy that recognises the people who dedicate their lives to Indigenous choral music. We congratulate every nominee, finalist and winner for their outstanding contribution to our country’s musical heritage. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our sponsors, partners, volunteers, media and every supporter who continues to believe in this vision.”
The organisers also acknowledged the invaluable support received from sponsors, strategic partners, production teams, presenters, performers, adjudicators, photographers, videographers, volunteers and members of the media whose collective efforts ensured the successful delivery of the event.
As the curtain closed on the 2026 ceremony, one message resonated throughout the venue: Indigenous choral music is thriving, and the Choral Indigenous Music Awards have become an important platform for recognising excellence, preserving culture and inspiring future generations.
With another successful edition concluded, Sounds of Azania has reaffirmed its commitment to growing the Choral Indigenous Music Awards into one of Africa’s premier celebrations of Indigenous choral music, ensuring that the voices, traditions and stories of our communities continue to be celebrated, preserved and passed on to future generations.
The success of CIMA 2026 demonstrates that Indigenous choral music is more than a genre—it is a living expression of South Africa’s identity, faith, culture and history. As the movement continues to grow, the Choral Indigenous Music Awards remain committed to celebrating excellence while preserving The Soul of Africa for generations to come.
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